Central Basin Assists Local Residents With Protesting Golden State Water Rates

COMMERCE, Calif., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors made the commitment on Wednesday to assist local residents with protesting Golden State Water Company's increased water rates before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). During the September Board Meeting, the Directors listened to over a dozen residents express their frustration over astronomically high water rates in the lower-income City of Bell.

"We're concerned about how these rates keep rising, who knows what is next?" said City of Bell resident Jorge Sanchez. "Our neighbors from other cities are shocked with our rates. There is a huge discrepancy with the rate system. We are just asking for what is fair."

One resident presented a blown-up copy of her recent water bill, which showed her total monthly charges exceeded $350 for her water use. Despite residents' efforts to drastically reduce water usage, the residents expressed dismay and desperation over their ever-increasing water bills and their inability to pay the rising fees on limited household incomes.

"The cost of water may be going up, but Golden State's recent rate hikes are off the charts," said Central Basin Board President Ed Vasquez. "Something must be done for the people of our community, and we intend to help them."

In response to the complaints, the Central Basin Board made the commitment to represent the residents and bring these issues before the CPUC in Sacramento. The information of each presenter was collected and a follow-up meeting was scheduled for the residents to meet with Central Basin's legislative outreach specialist on October 5.  

Central Basin is a public agency that wholesales imported water to cities, mutual water companies, investor-owned utilities and private companies in southeast Los Angeles County, serving a population of more than 2 million. In addition, Central Basin provides the region with recycled water for municipal, commercial and industrial uses. Formed in 1952, Central Basin is committed to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the region. For more information please visit www.centralbasin.org.

SOURCE Central Basin Municipal Water District

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